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I've been a bridesmaid over 125 instances. Listed here are the marriage traditions {couples} ought to cease doing in 2023.

  • I’ve labored as knowledgeable bridesmaid at over 125 weddings prior to now 9 years. 
  • {Couples} should not should say their vows on the marriage ceremony, particularly if it feels uncomfortable.
  • Celebration favors are often forgotten by friends on the finish of the evening, making them a waste of cash.

For the previous 9 years, I’ve labored over 125 weddings for strangers as their employed bridesmaid. 

Though everybody hopes a marriage will likely be full of thrilling moments, the celebration can really feel uninteresting and unoriginal if the couple follows too many traditions that do not appear proper for them or their friends. 

After working at many weddings, listed below are the traditions I feel needs to be left behind earlier than the 2023 marriage ceremony season. 

Tossing the bouquet 

Bride holds autumn bouquet with orange and red flowers and berries.

Substitute the bouquet toss with a sort toast to family members.

aprilante / Shutterstock



For many of my 20s, I discovered myself on the dance flooring ready to catch some flowers. It was embarrassing to battle over the bouquet with a crowd of different single girls, and it additionally introduced a lot pointless consideration to my relationship standing.

As an alternative of constructing your single buddies parade across the dance flooring, create your individual custom that celebrates all your buddies.

You might have the DJ play a enjoyable tune you all love to bop to or do a Champagne toast thanking family members for celebrating your day with you.

Giving out social gathering favors

{Couples} typically need their friends to have time and really feel appreciated at their celebration. This generally includes handing out favors on the finish of the marriage.

However at many of the weddings I have been to, they get left behind, making them a large waste of cash. I am often the one stuffing candles, bottle openers, and mini succulents into my purse as a result of no person else desires them.

As an alternative, contemplate spending the cash on an additional dessert or a late-night snack. 

Making cocktail hour longer than an hour 

sign with arrows pointing to wedding, cocktail hour, ceremony, and photo zone outside a wedding venue

Cocktail hours can carry down the vibes of a marriage.

MAKSYM CHUB/Shutterstock



Once I deliberate my very own marriage ceremony, one of many issues I used to be most adamant about skipping was a cocktail hour. In case you spend an excessive amount of time giving your friends a break between the ceremony and the reception, they develop into bored, even if you happen to’re serving them meals and drinks.

In case you’re not utilizing the cocktail hour to take pictures or to have a brief break with the individual you simply married, have friends head proper to the reception to get the social gathering began.

It helps maintain the power and pleasure up with none awkward lulls. 

Having a proper rehearsal 

The evening earlier than the marriage is the proper time to collect a few of your shut buddies and family members for a brief and candy celebration. However attempt skipping the formal rehearsal.

Strolling down the aisle and realizing the place to face up on the altar generally is a bit difficult, however that is data you or your marriage ceremony planner can cowl 20 minutes earlier than the ceremony begins.

Making your marriage ceremony social gathering head to the venue simply to observe the evening earlier than can really feel like a waste of time.

Forcing your self to share vows through the ceremony

My favourite a part of the celebration is the ceremony. I really like watching the couple come collectively and formally get married.

However some {couples} discover it uncomfortable to learn their vows. It could really feel tremendous private and a bit awkward to do in entrance of everybody.

If it would not really feel proper to air your deepest emotions through the ceremony, you’ll be able to at all times write your vows inside a card to change earlier than or after the marriage. 

Making a giant deal in regards to the first dance

Two men in suits slow-dancing at wedding.

Skip the primary dance and go straight into inviting everybody to the dance flooring.

Rawpixel.com / Shutterstock



At many weddings, the reception is formally kicked off when the couple does their first dance. Some {couples} actually lean into this custom by taking dance classes and working towards, however others fully dread the fanfare. 

In case you and your associate do not wish to do a primary dance, do not do it. More often than not, friends are in awe for the primary 20 seconds after which get distracted by the open bar, individuals at their desk, or their telephones.

As an alternative, inform your DJ or band to get the social gathering began by inviting all of the friends to the dance flooring to kick off the reception.